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1 Nov 2012

compact osterley review

So, I've had my Compact Osterley for about a month now and I have finally figured out what to use it for. It is housing my current projects (bucket list, 30 before 30 and 101 in 1001 days challenge), my blog section, the latter half of 2013 inserts, some notepaper and some to-do list inserts. Primarily, it is used as my blog planner (I have bigger and better things planned for Paper Lovestory) so after all this, I think it is now time to do a review of this binder.

Now, as most of you probably know, I've wanted a Compact Osterley for quite some time. I considered selling my personal Osterley to fund a Compact Osterley but due to the discovery of quite a few defects in a few Finchleys, I opted for a Compact Osterley as a replacement. It felt like fate. And when it arrived in my hands, it was love at first sight. The leather is definitely more hard-wearing than the Finchley binders so I'm feeling quite optimistic of it lasting years - ring quality dependent, of course.

The inside consists of the same card slot layout as the personal.

And there are two penloops on both organisers too. Two penloops seems like a bit of an overkill in a Compact binder and I am already experiencing the negative of this as it can affect the edges of my inserts. Also, having both pen loops in use make it more difficult to put the clasp into action so my recommendation would be to just use one.

However, even with one pen in (I put my Muji Erasable in it and it isn't even that thick in size), this is how the binder was:

The rings appear to be okay for the time being - touch wood this lasts!

Because I have had a personal Osterley for quite some time, this review is really quite brief as I know I that I love the leather, the print and also the design of the Osterley. So obviously, I am gushing about this organiser. One qualm I have about this organiser is that it doesn't lie flat out of the box, however, my personal did.

I have stuck to my oath of not paying anymore money to Filofax so this replacement does not go against that!

And to round off this post, here is a picture comparing the thickness of the two binders (both with inserts in them, but not stuffed to the brim).

I have bought a Compact Osterley in Plum too, very recently. Absolutely gorgeous, very classy, the leather is *not* floppy or "smooth", it does seem hard-wearing. But two pen loops ? USELESS, indeed. One is enough, it's good that it's elasticated, but I have to "lift" it, when there's a pen inside, to ensure it rests against the edges of the pages when the filo is closed, otherwise, it gets "stuck" between the cover and the first page inside. It's a little bit annoying.

Oh, and don't even bother having regular tabs : unless you are carefull each time you close your binder, they'll get bent (best case) or crushed (worst case); I made some top-tabbed dividers to prevent this, and it's neat.

This flaw is not limited to the Osterley, though, as all compacts are narrower than personals...

I agree with it being classy :) Once I start work, I'm not sure which Filo I will prefer - the Slimline Deco or the Compact Osterley? Will be so hard to choose. And two pen loops - yup, that's one thing I don't understand either. Contemplating cutting one off but then that will ruin how nice it looks :(

I haven't used any tabs in either my Slimline or Compact :) It adds to the bulkiness, especially with the rings being so small. x

It does look very nice and sturdy material... I might consider getting one! Oh, by the way, I literally squealed when I saw the Muji pen slotted in the binder (I know I'm weird, but hey!)... sadly they closed the ONLY Muji shop I could get to in Leeds. So next time I'm in London I'll remember to pick up my favourite Muji pens (being the 0.38) and a filo for Christmas! Yay...

Hehe, I've been using Muji pens for the last six years so I no longer squeal when I see them :) You can order online too, can't you? I'm hoping a discount code will pop up soon cos I need some acrylic storage stuff x

I have been reading about the Osterely from reviews and blogs etc. i already own 2 filofax, these are around the £40 price point. I wanted a new one as Im graduating this year and starting my first job in a few weeks. Since you have had the Osterely for a while, could you please advise on how hard wearing it is in everyday use, it will be my work diary which i will use at the desk, on visits and meetings etc. does it need any special care ?

thank you in advance I have found your reviews and information really useful, keep it up and thnx :)

I actually sold my Osterleys back in late December! In the time I had them, I did love them but not enough to keep them. I think they will be ok with everyday use but it can get scratched really easily. I didn't really use them much though, to be honest so can't advise on special care or wear, etc. xxx